Wireless Network Parameter Auto-Configuration via Provider Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly those following the IEEE802.11 standard, automatically setting communication parameters such as SSID, encryption methods, and authentication keys is cumbersome when the roles of provider and receiver are not predetermined, especially when a new device joins an existing network, leading to user operability issues.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that determines whether a device belongs to a network, starts operation as a provider, notifies other devices, and responds to search signals to establish communication parameters automatically, allowing new devices to join by pressing a setting button without pre-defined roles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If roles of provider and receiver are not determined in advance, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having existing network members pre-notify others about their provider status before a new device joins. When a device is added to the network, members that will act as providers notify other members in advance, allowing the new device to immediately know which device to receive parameters from, eliminating the need for the new device to search or users to manually select provider roles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If roles of provider and receiver are not determined in advance, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to automatically determine their provider or receiver role based on notification information received from other network members. The new device autonomously identifies which existing member should be its provider by processing notification data, eliminating the need for complex centralized role assignment mechanisms or manual user configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of communication apparatuses become providers, then adaptability is improved, but a receiver cannot determine from which provider it should receive communication parameters, worsening ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a notification mechanism where potential provider devices send notification signals to other network members indicating their provider status and identity. This feedback loop allows the new receiver device to receive information about which existing devices are willing to provide parameters, enabling automatic role assignment without user intervention even when multiple providers are available.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication parameters can be appropriately set without deteriorating user operability even if roles are not determined in advance when automatically setting the communication parameters. The invention includes a communication method when apparatus C newly joins a network formed of apparatuses A and B. The method is characterized by including a step of causing apparatus B to determine whether it belongs to the network in response to press of a button, and to operate as a provider and notify apparatus A of it upon determining that it belongs to the network, and a step of causing apparatus A to transmit, upon receiving the notification, a search response signal containing information on apparatus B in response to a search signal from apparatus C.